Dishing up a little bit of everything

Continuing your fitness journey after a slip-up

A while ago, I posted a blog on staying healthy on a business trip. In that blog, I asked if people wanted to read a post on how to get back on track when you fall off of your fitness journey.

I haven’t posted that blog yet, not because I haven’t gotten around to writing it but because I am still in the process of getting on track. After I got back from that business trip that I mentioned, I got hired at a new company.

The last month has been whirlwind so; I am still working on getting back to the gym and eating healthy. I’m not beating myself up for falling off of my fitness journey and, you shouldn’t either. Life happens, all you can do is pick yourself up and try again.

One of my biggest struggles this last month was things not falling into place right away. Instead of taking things one step at a time and letting them build naturally, I wanted to be a star at my new job and get right back to where I was in the gym but, that’s not how things work.

Now that I’m aware of that, I’d like to share some of the things that I find helpful. Of course, I am not an expert. I am just trying to be the best version of myself that I can be. If you’re trying to be your best self, you might find some of these things useful as well.

First, I suggest enlisting a friend. We all mess up sometimes so, it’s likely you know someone that also in need of support. You and your friend can sign up for a few classes or register for a new diet plan. Having support is a big motivator. Having someone to hold you accountable won’t make you feel so alone.

Speaking of signing up for classes, I think putting your money where your mouth is a great idea. I don’t know about you, but I hate wasting money. Paying for a class will increase your likelihood of staying committed. A few weeks ago, my friend and I did an Advocare Cleanse. The fact that I paid for the supplements and the fact that they were not cheap made me want to commit to eating healthy.

Take your time and ease back into things so, you don’t injure yourself. You don’t have to go so hard on your first day back that you’re unable to move the rest of the week.

Going off of that my last suggestion is to listen to your body. My first few days back in the gym I was very sore so, I rested a little more and drank more water to stay hydrated. After the first few weeks of my new job I began to feel a little under the weather so, I again listened to my body and took a little rest until I was feeling 100%.

Lastly, I suggest mixing things up. I wasn’t finding motivation in the gym so I started running outside. To my surprise, I was able to push myself further on my run outside than I have been able to in the gym.

If you’re finding it hard to get motivated, why not try something new? Try a different type of workout than you’re used to like, kickboxing or a dance class. There are plenty of free or inexpensive options like workout DVDs or YouTube. Who knows? You just might fall in love with something new.

What are some of your tips for getting back on track? What’s your favorite workout?

I really needed to read something like this – I fell out of the rhythm a long time ago, and really need to get back in it! I’m exactly the same in terms of paying for things, paying for a gym membership or buying new workout clothes motivates me to workout and not waste that money.. 😇

I can totally relate to you. We need to understand there are times in which adjustment to new routines is key. Always listening to ourselves. About having a friend with you is a great. Really there are the two of you to support! I am so glad you’ve taken up running. I am a big fan and advocate of running outdoors! Keep it up!

I kept finding I didn’t have time, but then there will always be reasons to be busy. Now I put it in the calendar like a meeting I have to attend, and I find it helps because that time is already blocked out. The main thing is not to beat yourself up – every day is a new chance to make a change or get back to whatever kind of exercise plan you want to do.

Love all of these tips! Another thing I would say is that there’s no better day like today. It’s so easy to always say tomorrow I’ll eat better, tomorrow I’ll go to the gym, tomorrow I’ll do this, tomorrow I’ll do that. And half the time you just end up putting it off again. If you’re going to start, might as well be today!

Some great tips here Samantha. I really struggle to get back into any kind of fitness when I fall off the wagon. In truth, I have struggled all year! I love walking, so I tell myself as long as I get out for a walk a few times a week, Im doing ok xx.

There’s some great advice in this post! I joined Weight Watchers at the start of June and have been losing weight regularly each week but now I’m beginning to plateau and it’s quite demoralising, so I’m going to take your tips and use them to keep myself going!

I’m currebtly feeling very similar except with dieting. I’m in a real slump at the moment and I really need to get back on it. You’ve given some really good advice for someone’s who is lacking motivation x

Great post, I am a firm believer of listening to your own body and not pushing yourself. I love going running and being at the moment a stay at home mum I’ve found working out at home really effective!

Great post! I have recently fallen off track and still trying to get back and stay consistent but sometimes the gym can be a bit boring at times so I have instead started going to dance classes and tennis sessions in hopes to spice things up and hopefully revive my love for fitness once again.

As a soft tissue specialist, movement analyst and performance coach who runs his own clinic, I commend your honesty and subject matter.

I don’t often say this to many people and am not the type of person to usually comment. Spoken from the heart and you have my respect.

I have a post you may enjoy called “I used to be a body builder, until I grew up,” it’s a 6000 word spiel, but it deals more with the clinical element of soft tissue principality, biotensegrity and psycology rather than the generic outlook of “fitness.”

Give it a read some time if you are ever free. If you like it, if you agree with it, then let’s work on some online ideas together? I have a platform through my clinic and I’m looking for more people’s stories to be able to share for motivation, to help others.

If not…then take care and keep doing you!

From reading the comments on this post, you are inspiring people, that inspires me!

Great post hun! I deffo have the occasional “slip up” but I’ve learned to listen to my body and get back on the saddle…if I want a break from the gym I’ll take one, and not beat myself up about it like I used to..thanks for the tips 🙂https://thegrlwhoblog.wordpress.com/
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